Maldives

A brief guide to Maldives islands

If you are attracted to exotic travel destinations, where you can enjoy serenity and peace, far away from noisy, highly populated centres, then you will find the Maldives Islands an ideal travel destination for you. The Islands of Maldives, set in Indian Ocean, have become one of the most exclusive exotic travel destinations in the recent years.

Maldives islands holiday scene

Introduction To The Maldives

Heavenly turquoise blue waters, lush tropical islands and Robinson Crusoe type isolation – these are just some of the images that come to mind when we think about travelling to the Maldives. In this article you’ll discover a new world altogether – a beautiful world beyond the imagination of most people. A world where you can be one of a small handful of people that have an island all to themselves. This world is called The Maldives. And this article will tell you everything you need to know about these tiny palm-fringed islands.

Location Of The Maldives

A Brief History Of The Maldives

While there are no certain facts it is estimated that the Maldives have been populated as early as 1500 BC, most likely explorers from India and Sri Lanaka (Ceylon). During 1152 there was a conversion to islam although there was a brief period from 1558 to 1573 when the Maldives was taken over and ruled by the Portugese. The islands were also under the rule of the British in 1887. In 1965 the Maldives regained its independent status.

Flora and Fauna in the Maldives Islands

Contrary to the first impressions of many, the Maldives islands are not especially hospitable to plants, mainly because the soil does not have the nutrients to support a large and varied diversity of plant life. The main type of vegetation include coconut trees, vines, banyan trees as well as mangroves. Also found are Breadfruit trees and Bamboos. Flowering plants include Bougainvillaea and Frangipani.

The Maldives islands have an incredible number of colourful, tropical fish and when you visit you’re bound to see many of them. A few of these include Butterfly fish, Dolphins, Anglefish, Parrotfish and Flutemouth. The colours and shapes of some of these fish are as varied and intriguing as their names would suggest. Divers are sure to have an experience of a lifetime in the Maldives.

Thonis (wooden rafts) in Maldives - photo by Muthu Krishnan

While there are a healthy variety of birds inhabiting the islands, there are fewer varieties of land based animals. Common to the islands are flying foxes, geckos and garden lizards. There are also a couple of species of snake (not dangerous).

Maldives are a haven for birdwatchers! There are over 100 species of birds – expect to see crows, parakeets, and waterhens as well as koel birds. Also present are herons, seagulls and noddys.

The Maldives traveller type

The Maldives is a wonderful destination for a wide variety of travellers – from those seeking complete bliss and Robinson Crusoe type peace and quiet (in an absolutely idyllic surrounding), to beach lovers and diving enthusiasts to honeymooners and romantic couples looking for some enchanting memories in one of the most beautiful places in the world. With a wide variety of resorts to choose from it’s important to research the facilities in a wide range of resorts to make sure that you get whatever it is you’re looking for. For example, some Maldives resorts may suit more active travellers while others would be more suited to those looking for a quiet and peaceful stay.

The Maldives Exclusivity

In order to preserve Maldives exclusivity and limit building growth, the Maldives islands authorities have laid down building guidelines to prevent uncontrolled growth. What makes Maldives exclusive is:

1. In 2006 five new 6-star hotels have opened in the Maldives.
2. Only the best hotels can get permit to build on Maldives islands.
3. The Maldives is one of the rare travel destinations where luxury is guaranteed by the law.
4. Out of over 1,000 Maldives islands, only 200 of those islands are populated.

How To Get To The Maldives

Almost all visitors get to the Maldives via plane – typically, they arrive in Male, the capital from their port of departure and from there will be transferred to their resort. Transfers are usually via seaplane or speedboat. Given the stunning scenery it’s always advisable to arrive by seaplane where possible – the views of the islands from the air are nothing short of spectacular. When researching Maldives resorts and prices it’s worth remembering that some packages will be quoted with transfers built into the price while others will not. Please keep in mind that transfers can be quite pricey.

Some resorts are located quite close to the airport in Male – transfer times can be under 20 minutes while other Maldives resorts further away may take an hour or even two to reach depending on the type of transfer. Keep in mind that after travelling a long distance on a flight, the last thing that you’ll want to do is spend a further couple of hours on a speedboat. Where possible, choose an early flight, to allow yourself enough time for speedboat transfer.

If your transfer is not via seaplane it is possible to ride in a seaplane during your stay – and get some stunning photos of the Maldives islands and atolls from high above.